Church of San Juan Apóstol y Evangelista, Pre-Romanesque church in Santianes, Spain
The Church of San Juan Apóstol y Evangelista is a pre-Romanesque place of worship in Santianes, distinguished by thick stone walls and narrow windows following Asturian building traditions. Its rectangular layout reflects the design common to early medieval chapels throughout the region.
The building was erected under King Silo of Asturias, who commissioned this chapel as part of his efforts to strengthen royal power. The construction took place over several years and demonstrates the kingdom's capacity to undertake ambitious building projects.
The church is named after John the Evangelist, whose veneration was widespread in medieval Asturias. Visitors can observe the simple interior furnishings that reflect how local communities understood sacred spaces.
The building is open to visitors and located in Santianes, a small village in Pravia municipality in northern Spain. Those interested in early medieval architecture should allow adequate time to explore and take photographs of the structure.
The foundation stone of the church displays a labyrinth pattern with the inscription 'Silo Princeps Fecit', forming crosses within the text design. This geometric puzzle has inspired modern artists interested in the mathematical complexity of this medieval composition.
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